File Verification
File verification is a process used to ensure the integrity and authenticity of files by comparing them against known checksums, hashes, or digital signatures. It involves generating a unique identifier (like MD5, SHA-256) for a file and verifying it matches an expected value to detect corruption, tampering, or errors. This is critical in software distribution, data backups, and security contexts to confirm files are unchanged from their original state.
Developers should use file verification when distributing software, downloading dependencies, or handling sensitive data to prevent security breaches, data loss, or runtime errors. Specific use cases include verifying downloaded installers, ensuring package integrity in CI/CD pipelines, and validating backups in storage systems. It's essential for compliance in regulated industries and maintaining trust in open-source ecosystems.